Why Jesus? Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality

Book Review by
Bill McCall

In today’s culture, young and old alike are bombarded by false teachings about spiritual matters. Many are foregoing traditional beliefs to embrace a “new spirituality.” In his latest book, “Why Jesus? Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality,” Christian author and apologist Ravi Zacharias alerts readers to the dangers of this New Age spiritualism. More importantly, Zacharias lifts up and defends Jesus Christ as the only Truth that can satisfy a person’s spiritual needs. 

By Ravi Zacharias, FaithWords, 2012 “Why Jesus?” reveals how our culture arrived at this point, from the entertainment industry’s promotion of the supernatural to the influence of books, movies and powerful media figures, such as Oprah Winfrey. Zacharias reminds us the media can cleverly influence two of humanity’s most precious traits – feelings and imagination. He describes how over several decades, in the midst of cultural rebellion, religious scandals and postmodern relativism, the New Spirituality has spread.

Zacharias highlights a key point – the current culture’s lack of knowledge about the biblical Jesus – linked with the deliberate misrepresentation of Jesus that the New Spirituality advocates. 

The author states, “This is the strongest indictment I make against the New Spirituality. They have violated the true Jesus and formed Him in their own image. While exalting themselves, they have denigrated Him.” 

Zacharias directly challenges the works of writers such as Elizabeth Lesser, Eckhart Tolle, Neale Donald Walsch and Deepak Chopra.

Citing many examples from Scripture, Zacharias points to the biblical Jesus as the clear Truth against the distorted image portrayed by the New Spirituality. He reminds readers that spirituality is not a game.

While seeking “spiritual fulfillment,” the world increasingly pursues Eastern mysticism, paganism and a new spirituality. In “Why Jesus?” Zacharias directs the reader not to an idea, not to a place, but to a person – Jesus Christ.

Bill McCall is founder of “Higher Thoughts,” a Christian discipleship and apologetics ministry with the purpose of helping Christians grow, defend and share their faith in today’s world (www.higherthoughts.org).